both

I like it best when the coaches are a couple, helps both the leads and the followers.

there's usually some sort of competition when the coach is same sex gender (exceptions prove the rule) ~ it is difficult though to really improve when taught by opposite sex only

I learn all of the aspects of a style of dance when I take from instructors of both the same and opposite genders.

Both have useful contributions

I prefer opposite gender, but learn well from both.

It is good to both part

I prefer a couple. I can watch a man or a woman to learn

Need the right perspective

I prefer opposite gender

I treasure the opposite gender as both a coach and a partner, but will always listen to professional instructors regardless of gender

You can be trained as a couple- better connection.

Two to tango. Teams work

Both bring insightful & valued response to my floor-craft, as my dance focus is an expression of two as one.

You have to have both as your own gender corrects you on how your gender movement should be and then the opposite gender coach then can tell if you are doing things correctly or not, like shaping and how you hold yourself.

I do not have a partner so think I will gain experience with one.

A good teacher is a good teacher!

I need both

I prefer opposite gender

I value both too!

I have both both great but like a male partner

Yes, because I am new to this site and need some more lessons with beginner I feel it would be very helpful.Becky

You need both, the same way a great partnership relies on each other.

Both!

Opposite gender for standard, same gender for Latin - as a man I want to know how to perfect my technique for dancing standard with a woman; the "dancing with" aspect is less of an issue to learn for Latin, but I need to move well, and style well, as a man

Makes no difference if they are a good teacher. I've had both male and female teachers in the past and all were great teachers.

Gender has no bearing on lead or follow ability, or ability to teach various types of styling.

both are necessary for each gender of a partnership to fully understand each others role.

Opposite gander is the way to go!!!

I have two male coaches and a female I value them equally

I prefer opposite because you have your lead anylised from a woman's perspective. Therefore discrepancies are more readily realised.

You can learn from both points of view

Doth are the same and just as talented.

Both can be great teachers and offer different perspectives

A good dancer is a good dancer.
Everything is in the psychological way of transmitting to the learner.

I have found that both can be good

It is important that the have styling that matches the dance.

My dance teacher is female and she is an excellent teacher.

I don't mind the gender of coach, as long as they are professional and patient

Both is fine, but a male dancer to me is better

The best classes/instructions are the ones that feature someone who is a follow, and another who is the lead. But, it isn't always possible to have both. The best instructors I've had are those who switch seamlessly between the two roles. I find that I learn well from both genders.

I've had women coaches than can dance the man's part better than a lot of men.

What can I say I value the wisdom and the beauty of a talented lady they are much easier to stay focused on.

For ballroom or Latin it's better with opposite gender.

C'mon! … Really? … It's 2016

As long as they can teach, I don't care if they're male or female!

Can learn a lot from both...

I have my own coaches of both gender looking for a partner

Makes it much more comfortable

Teachers of different genders have very different perspectives to offer. The male (as the lead) provides information on how to lead and what my body should feel. The female (as the follow) offers great perspective on receiving my lead and what her body should feel when I lead.

I will occasionally follow to better understand what it feels like to be lead.

With respect to tango, I value both equally, and the majority of my teachers have been women. However I have to say that I feel that I have learned more, better and quicker from my male teachers. My male teachers have also been much more relaxed in their teaching. Whether this is just the luck of the draw I'm not sure. Still, while men and women may be equal, they are generally not the same, so learning from both is probably a good idea. :)

Skill, is not subject to gender!

My partner and I took from both sides. With the female coaches they tended to work on my partner much more and the male ones on me.

Prefer to have both at the same time. The married ones that "argue" are the best.

I am more comfortable with opposite gender

I don't mind, no preference

A total understanding of both sides is a great thing.

best if opposite I believe

I would feel a bit odd dancing close with a man.

Getting tuition from both sides and different perspectives .

I am to new to dancing to know.

My female dancer provides the best lead, but competitions won't allow us
To compete together. Prejudice?

different perspective from both sides

coaching is for improvement. The coach will see the dancer objectively.

Either is fine.

I can learn from either.

A combination of both perspectives is always good !  Incidentally I am new on this dance site still trying to navigate around - how and where do I enquire about any upcoming dances and if so when and where they are and whom to contact ? I am looking for a dance partner (needn't be professional) just someone who is passionate about dance and enjoys leading on the floor where I can follow :) So am looking for contacts in SA being based there :)

It's dancing, for Pete's sake! I'd train with an orangutan if I thought "it" could teach me something! Wouldn't you? ....or does the orangutan's sex make a difference too? Just sayin' ;)

As a man coach we have the advantage to lead the woman and to have men following, as a woman has the advantage to be able to dance with both women and men.

Any good coach provides valuable instruction. Restricting yourself to one person, one gender or one role (lead or follow) limits your experience and education. Coaches that are leaders can convey the mechanics of what you are trying to do. Coaches that are followers can tell you if it feels right. Both can help by watching with it's execution

I value hearing a follow's perspective and tips from a more experienced lead.

Teaching technique is far more important than gender. I have experienced good and bad of each gender! One needs a coach whose teaching style and objectives match one's learning style and objectives.

In different ways

The opposite The opposite gender will know much better how they wish to be led, They can see your mistakes, and point them out to you. They can also advise how the other dancer desire to be led - and treated. This is not to say that the same gender instructor is not of value..

All things being equal, the guy should have slightly more insights for the guy student, but I'd only dance comp or showcase with an opposite gendered coach. For those occasions & dance practice or social events, its the latter is the only way to go for me.

I prefer female coach always

It's the skill of the coach and not the gender that is important.

Both genders can provide different opinions, expressions, styles, etc.

I find both very helpful as they each bring a different perspective

I have studied with male and female instructors - find both helpful for different reasons.

I can learn more from same gender's gestures, figures, expression, performance....

Generally, I get coached by a guy on a normal basis, it would be nice to get a female perspective.